The sooner we get over with this political agony, the better for our countrymen, he said in the light of an impending economic crisis with a devastating potential.

Speaking for the Association of Concerned Tagbilaranons (ACT) dela Serna, said that the impeachment process should be allowed to play out full, credible, transparent, fair and acceptable to the people who will be the ultimate judge.

Should congress fail, he said a repetition of the Marcos years when the people were stirred by the righteous indignation could happen.

He also warned congressmen of using their sheer force or number in bulldozing the impeachment underground. This, he said could open another way for the pent-up anger of the people to find its own release which may not be to their liking.

"It is to the interest of all the congressmen whether pro Gloria or Anti-Gloria that the impeachment process be allowed to play out fully," dela Serna said.

Earlier, President Arroyo over a national television said she welcomes an impeachment proceeding where she can defend herself.

"Why should we not afford Mrs. Arroyo this opportunity," he asked.

Congress is now in the heat of debates as to the legitimacy of the impeachment complaint filed by Lawyer Oliver Lozano and another amended complaint filed by opposition congressmen.

The Constitution ruled that only one impeachment proceeding may be filed in a year.

Any other complaint filed after the Lozano complaint constitutes another case and should wait for the next year, pro-Gloria congressmen stress.

Opposition congressmen also press that the emended complaint is just a bill of particulars that detail the Lozano complaint.

This continuing debate is again stalling the impeachment process.

"The allies of Gloria Arroyo in Congress should realize that the impeachment process is not just an ordinary legislative matter which gives them the opportunity to exert favors from the beneficiary, who in this case is no less than the President," the statement states.

He concludes by saying that if Mrs. Arroyo proves herself innocent, then we can close this turbulent chapter and devote our national energy and resources to the task of rebuilding out severely damaged and fragmented nation. (PIA) [top]